Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile recently launched the build-up programme towards the 20th anniversary celebrations of South Africa’s freedom and democracy. The event took place at the aptly named Freedom Park, in Pretoria, on the 3rd of June 2013.
The moment you enter Freedom Park, you are immediately drawn towards the beauty and aura of this magnificent place, as well as its historical significance. Thus, it was an appropriate place to launch the build-up to South Africa’s historic path towards 20 years of freedom and democracy.
The event which was hosted at Freedom Park’s, Gallery of Leaders, brought together a number of well-known opinion makers such as Advocate George Bizos, academics, business leaders as well as members of Civil Society in one common ideology… the unification of all South Africans in celebration of the countries historic 20th anniversary of freedom.
The framework launched by Minister Mashatile incorporates and builds on the declarations and plans which emanated from the National Summit on Social Cohesion and National Building, which took place in July 2012 at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Soweto.
As stated by the minister, the launch “Marks the commencement of a year-long process of mobilizing of all sectors of society to participate in campaigns that reflect our democratic achievements.” The purpose of the framework is thus; to deepen South Africans understanding of “Where we come from as a nation”, and how the country attained its democracy. The Minister also highlighted the frameworks path to identifying and celebrating South Africa’s untold stories, as well as unsung heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle. The day also marked the unveiling of the 20 years of Freedom logo, as well as a declaration from the Minister that by April 2014, all schools in the country will fly the South African flag.
Throughout the launch, a number of veterans shared their untold stories of the struggle for liberation. Ms Barbara Masekela gave an uplifting speech titled “An Empowered Fair and Inclusive Citizenry for Social Cohesion”, which emphasized how the youth of the liberation era, empowered them to liberate themselves from the Apartheid system of oppressive exclusion. Her’s was a message of strength in the fight for social inclusion.
Advocate George Bizos said, “People who say there hasn't been changes in the country in 19 years, are doing the country a dis-service.” He acknowledged that the country faces a number of challenges, but this “Shouldn't discourage us from trying”, to create a “unified nation, irrespective of colour or background.”
Mr Andrew Mlangeni, a political activist and Robben Island prisoner; said of the launch: “A foundation has been laid; now it’s our time to finish building the house…the house of democracy and freedom.”
Dr Frene Ginwala, a political activist and opinion maker, stressed the need to change the culture of expectancy. She also touched on the need for all South African’s to know and understand the Constitution as well as the true meaning of democracy. Her message was an impassioned plea to the countries leader’s, to lead by example. She also expressed one of Apartheid's cruelty, she said: “One of the worst crimes of apartheid was denying us our history.”
World-Renowned poet, Dr Don Mattera said of the event: “A seed was planted in Kliptown and now it needs to be watered.” He also emphasized the need for the country to unite as one: “Social Cohesion cannot be implanted by the government in our hearts”, “It is not a government program…it is a human program.”
Former Miss South Africa, Joan Ramagoshi, said as a young South African she was “Inspired by what the veterans had to say”, and that she was grateful and honoured that she heard all the amazing untold stories. About what the event meant to her, she said: “The event is about people being passionate about this country”, and that “People need to work together in-order to attain a joint spirit.”
At the end of the launch, the social cohesion Ambassadors from various sectors of society signed a declaration of commitment, pledging their support “to mobilize and unify society in our on-going national movement of healing the divisions of our painful past and establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.”
In conclusion the Framework for celebration of 20 years of Freedom and Democracy marks the new dawn in South Africans quest for a unified and socially inclusive nation.
Written by: Thulisile Khumalo
Creative Writer at ATKA SA
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